The new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunisation programme has significantly reduced infections, serious illness, and hospitalisations among babies born in Ireland since September.
Data shows that in relation to babies born since the programme started (1 September, 2024), a total of 24 babies were hospitalised between then and mid-December 2024, compared to 413 cases in the same period the previous year. A total of 41 cases of RSV were notified compared to 656, and only five babies needed treatment in intensive care for RSV infection compared with 64.
Welcoming the data, Public Health lead for the RSV Pathfinder Programme at the HSE National Health Protection Office Dr Augustine Pereira emphasised that the programme is running throughout the winter months when RSV levels are highest, and urged parents of newborn children to continue to get the immunisation when offered it in hospital. “The programme has hugely reduced the level of illness, and in many cases, serious illness amongst the youngest and most vulnerable babies,” said Dr Pereira.
The immunisation – called nirsevimab – is strongly recommended by the HSE and the National Immunisation Advisory Committee for all newborn babies in Ireland and has been approved by the European Medicines Agency.
Nirsevimab is effective immediately post administration, and protects against RSV for 150 days – covering the very early period when infants are most vulnerable to serious RSV-related illness. All babies born between the 1 September, 2024 and 28 February, 2025 are eligible for the immunisation.
This new vaccine is being offered free of charge to all newborns in every maternity hospital in Ireland before they are discharged home. The programme is initially being rolled out as a ‘pathfinder’ initiative which is designed to explore and establish innovative approaches to improving health outcomes within a community or population.
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